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Chris and I had this running joke between us. It centered around that Folger's Christmas commercial where the brother comes home from Africa or something. He and his little sister are the only ones up and he hands her a gift. The sister asks him "what is it?". The first time we were sitting on the couch watching this, Chris answered "crystal skull" before the brother could reply. I answered "monkey's paw". It's not often that I made Chris laugh. Usually it was the other way around, but for some reason my answer of monkey's paw was the funniest thing any one could give a person for Christmas. Actually, I'm pretty sure he was devising a way to give monkey's paws out at Christmas.
The other night I dreamed I was at a craft fair and I came across one booth selling monkey's paw necklaces. I started laughing and I bought one for everyone. When I told Talaura about this dream, she said "that was a nice visit". I laughed at this because it's true. I have yet to see Chris's face in any of my dreams, but his jokes and humor are always there. What a gift to leave behind. Laughter. There's lots of research out there on the power of laughter. Laughter can relieve pain, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and release endorphins. Laughter is powerful juju and I'm more then thankful that this is what Chris left me.

Other things I'm thankful for? I've created a walking monster. Hooper still can't go very far, but man oh man is ever so excited to go. We haven't skipped an evening. There's no taking off on weekends. We walk every night and every evening we are greeted by someone new to us in the neighborhood. Everyone loves Hooper. They think he's the cutest dog and they all want to know what kind of dog he is. His particular breed is spoiled with a mix of rotten. I'm thankful these walks have been such a success. What else? I'm pretty thankful for the new Menu Group we all started on facebook. I love the interaction and the sharing of ideas. I'm thankful that it's turned into something so good.